There’s something undeniably special about the combination of rich, fudgy chocolate and sweet, juicy strawberries. It’s the kind of pairing that feels indulgent yet heartwarming, perfect for celebrations or simply treating yourself to something delightful. These Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies bring together deep chocolate flavors with a touch of berry brightness, making them an irresistible dessert for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any day that calls for a little extra love.
Imagine biting into a dense, chocolatey brownie topped with a silky, strawberry-infused frosting—each bite bursting with flavor and sweetness. Whether you’re baking these for a loved one or simply indulging in a homemade treat, these brownies are sure to make hearts skip a beat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for special occasions – These brownies are festive, making them ideal for Valentine’s Day or romantic desserts.
- Decadent and fudgy – The brownies have a deep chocolate flavor with a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- A delightful fruity twist – The strawberry frosting adds a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate base.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a great dessert for all skill levels.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Brownies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
For the Strawberry Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry puree
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed for consistency)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles
How to Make Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth and glossy. This step helps create that signature crinkly top on the brownies. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the brownies more cakey rather than fudgy.
Step 2: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan before adding the frosting.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Frosting
While the brownies are cooling, prepare the strawberry frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well incorporated.
Next, pour in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract, blending until the frosting turns a beautiful pink hue. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream, one spoonful at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Frost and Garnish
Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the strawberry frosting evenly over the top. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Carefully slice the brownies into squares or heart shapes for a festive touch. Serve them immediately or store them for later indulgence!
Helpful Tips
- For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake them and let them set as they cool.
- Use fresh strawberries for the puree to achieve the best natural flavor in the frosting.
- Chill the brownies before slicing for cleaner, sharper edges.
- Want a richer chocolate flavor? Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
- Make it extra special by drizzling melted chocolate over the frosted brownies.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- Brownie Texture: If you prefer denser, fudgier brownies, reduce the baking time slightly and let them cool completely before cutting. For cakier brownies, bake them a few minutes longer.
- Strawberry Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a little extra strawberry puree or a splash of heavy cream.
- Cutting Perfect Brownie Squares: For clean slices, chill the brownies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
- Heart-Shaped Brownies: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter for a fun and festive look, especially for Valentine’s Day!
- Chocolate Lovers’ Tip: For an extra chocolate boost, mix in some semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks into the brownie batter before baking.
- Storing Frosted Brownies: Since the frosting contains fresh strawberries, it’s best to store these brownies in the fridge if not eating them the same day.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days for a firmer texture.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted brownies for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw and frost before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries for the frosting?
Yes! If using frozen strawberries, let them thaw completely and drain any excess liquid before blending into a puree.
How do I make the frosting more intense in strawberry flavor?
Try reducing the strawberry puree in a saucepan over low heat before adding it to the frosting. This concentrates the flavor without adding too much liquid.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the brownies a day in advance and frost them before serving for the freshest taste.
What can I use instead of heavy cream in the frosting?
Milk or half-and-half can work, though the texture may be slightly different. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
Related Recipes
If you loved these Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies, you might also enjoy:
- Strawberry Crunch Brownies
- Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
- Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies are the ultimate treat for any chocolate and strawberry lover. The fudgy brownie base pairs perfectly with the light and creamy strawberry frosting, creating a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a chocolate craving, this recipe is sure to win hearts.
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Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies
Description
There’s something undeniably special about the combination of rich, fudgy chocolate and sweet, juicy strawberries. It’s the kind of pairing that feels indulgent yet heartwarming, perfect for celebrations or simply treating yourself to something delightful. These Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies bring together deep chocolate flavors with a touch of berry brightness, making them an irresistible dessert for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any day that calls for a little extra love.
Imagine biting into a dense, chocolatey brownie topped with a silky, strawberry-infused frosting—each bite bursting with flavor and sweetness. Whether you’re baking these for a loved one or simply indulging in a homemade treat, these brownies are sure to make hearts skip a beat.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
For the Strawberry Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry puree
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed for consistency)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth and glossy. This step helps create that signature crinkly top on the brownies. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the brownies more cakey rather than fudgy.
Step 2: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan before adding the frosting.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Frosting
While the brownies are cooling, prepare the strawberry frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well incorporated.
Next, pour in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract, blending until the frosting turns a beautiful pink hue. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream, one spoonful at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Frost and Garnish
Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the strawberry frosting evenly over the top. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Carefully slice the brownies into squares or heart shapes for a festive touch. Serve them immediately or store them for later indulgence!
Notes
- Brownie Texture: If you prefer denser, fudgier brownies, reduce the baking time slightly and let them cool completely before cutting. For cakier brownies, bake them a few minutes longer.
- Strawberry Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a little extra strawberry puree or a splash of heavy cream.
- Cutting Perfect Brownie Squares: For clean slices, chill the brownies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
- Heart-Shaped Brownies: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter for a fun and festive look, especially for Valentine’s Day!
- Chocolate Lovers’ Tip: For an extra chocolate boost, mix in some semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks into the brownie batter before baking.
- Storing Frosted Brownies: Since the frosting contains fresh strawberries, it’s best to store these brownies in the fridge if not eating them the same day.